Spotting fluids containing syrups

ABSTRACT

A spotting fluid is provided and the spotting fluid consists essentially of: syrup, syrup solids and a liquid medium, said syrup and syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, inverted sugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof, and the liquid medium is selected from a group consisting of water, purified water, ionized water, salt water and mixtures thereof.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/802,702 filed on Jun. 14, 2010 entitled “Drilling Fluid AdditivesContaining Heated Syrup Solids” and issued on Jul. 5, 2011 as U.S. Pat.No. 7,972,995, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.No. 12/459,480 filed on Jul. 2, 2009 entitled “Drilling Fluid AdditivesContaining Syrups” and issued on Jul. 27, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No.7,763,570, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/387,182 filed on Apr. 30, 2009 entitled “Drilling Fluid AdditivesContaining Corn Syrup Solids” and issued on Jun. 29, 2010 as U.S. Pat.No. 7,745,378.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a spotting fluid and more specifically,a spotting fluids consisting of syrup solids and a liquid medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are various drilling applications and additives in the art thatcombine carbohydrates with a plurality of different ingredients. Theseformulations have provided for moderate results.

There are also various ingredients combined to provide for a continuousliquid phase of a drilling fluid. In the past, water, diesel oil,synthetic oils and combinations of oils and emulsions have been used asthe continuous liquid phase of drilling fluids with inefficient tomoderate results.

A drilling fluid with water as the continuous liquid phase has manyeconomical advantages. Water is plentiful, non-polluting andenvironmentally friendly when properly maintained. It is very importantthat the additives mixed with the water are also non-polluting andenvironmentally friendly. Fluid loss additives, lubricants, dispersants,shale and formation inhibitors should also be non-polluting andenvironmentally friendly. A fluid that has higher concentrations ofthese additives typically has higher toxicity and subsequently has alower LC50 number.

Using diesel oil as a continuous liquid phase of a drilling fluid iseconomical, but environmentally hazardous. Drill cuttings must becontained and remediated, as well as earthen pits are contaminated withthe diesel oil and salt water used, adding to the costs and inefficiencyof diesel based fluids.

Using a synthetic hydrocarbon or specific olefin for the continuousliquid phase of the drilling fluid has its advantages, however, thesesynthetic oils are expensive and in short supply.

The present invention provides for an economically efficient andenvironmentally safe drilling fluid additive and can also function asthe continuous liquid phase of the drilling fluid. The present inventionalso provides for a drilling fluid additive that provides the advantagesof lubrication and wellbore stability.

The present invention further provides for a non-toxic andenvironmentally friendly spotting fluid designed to free stuck drillingassemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides for a drilling fluidadditive consisting essentially of: corn syrup solids or syrup solids inthe amount from about 30 to about 80% by volume of total volume of theadditive and a liquid medium in the amount from about 20 to about 70% byvolume of total volume of the additive.

In another embodiment, the liquid medium is selected from a groupconsisting of water, purified water, ionized water, salt water andmixtures thereof. In yet another embodiment, the additive improves thelubrication and reduces the coefficient of friction on the water phaseof the drilling fluid.

In still another embodiment, the liquid medium is an aqueous liquor. Forpurposes of this invention, the term “aqueous liquor” is defined as anyliquid medium or juice.

In still yet another embodiment, the corn syrup solids or syrup solidsare in the amount from about 70 to about 80% by volume of the totalvolume of the additive. In a further embodiment, the liquid medium is inthe amount from about 20 to about 30% by volume of the total volume ofthe additive. In yet a further embodiment, the density of the additiveis from about 8 to about 12 pounds per gallon and more specifically 9 toabout 11.8 pounds per gallon. In still a further embodiment, theadditive suppresses and restricts hydration of clays and shales whendeposed into a wellbore.

In another further embodiment, the additive is dextrose syrup. In stillyet a further embodiment, the syrup solids can be derived from alldifferent types of sugars and carbohydrates. Sugars include sucrose,dextrose and fructose. The carbohydrates utilized in the presentinvention may be derived from sugar cane, sugar beet, fruit, honeysorghum and sugar maple (Maple syrup).

In another embodiment, the corn syrup solids or syrup solids arehydrolyzed prior to being combined with a liquid medium. In stillanother embodiment, the additive is combined with copolymer beads. Inyet another embodiment, the copolymer beads are comprised of styrene anddivinylbenzene (DVB).

In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to acontinuous liquid phase solution for a drilling fluid, said solutionconsists essentially of: corn syrup or syrup, corn syrup solids or syrupsolids and a liquid medium.

In a further embodiment, the corn syrup or syrup is from about 10 toabout 90% by volume of total volume of the solution, the corn syrupsolids or syrup solids is from about 10 to about 80% by volume of totalvolume of the solution, and the liquid medium is from about 20 to about90% by volume of total volume of the solution.

In still a further embodiment, the present invention relates to adrilling fluid additive consisting of hydrolyzed glucose syrup solids orsyrup solids in the amount from about 30 to about 90% by volume of totalvolume of the additive and a liquid medium in the amount from about 10to about 70% by volume of total volume of the additive.

In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to acontinuous liquid phase of the drilling fluid which consists essentiallyof concentrated carbohydrates, namely corn syrup or cane syrup, or acombination of the two with a liquid medium such as water. The testingestablished that the higher the concentration of carbohydrates, the morethe continuous fluid resembles an oil based continuous phase fluid. Itwas also discovered that the degree of lubrication, well borestabilization and fluid loss control are directly proportional to thepercentage of the concentrated carbohydrates. Testing show that thispresent invention is non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentallyfriendly with an LC 50 rating of greater than 1,000,000 at aconcentration of 50%.

In another embodiment, the syrup and corn syrup solids are derived froma group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugarsyrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolatesyrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup,high fructose corn syrup, inverted sugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruitsyrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup,sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blendsthereof.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides for a continuousliquid phase solution for a drilling fluid, and the solution consistsessentially of: syrup, syrup solids and a liquid medium, and the syrupand syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially ofagave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, ricesyrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, datesyrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, invertedsugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses,Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup,vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof.

In another further embodiment, the present invention relates to adrilling fluid additive consisting essentially of hydrolyzed syrupsolids in the amount from about 30 to about 90% by weight of totalvolume of said additive and a liquid medium in the amount from about 10to about 70% by weight of total volume of said additive, and the syrupsolids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup,barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, canesyrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruitsyrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, inverted sugar syrup,karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup,palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrupand mixtures and blends thereof.

In another embodiment, the syrup solids are treated with heat or heatedto remove or evaporate water leaving the sugars or carbohydrates. In yetanother embodiment, the treatment is done using cooking or boilingmethods. In still another embodiment, the heating of the syrup solids isdone prior to being admixed with the liquid medium.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a spotting fluidformulation consisting essentially of: syrup solids in the amount fromabout 30 to about 80% by volume of total volume of the formulation and aliquid medium in the amount from about 20 to about 70% by volume oftotal volume of the formulation, said formulation being used as aspotting fluid for oil drilling applications.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides for a spottingfluid consists essentially of: syrup, syrup solids and a liquid medium,said syrup and syrup solids are derived from a group consistingessentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup,birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup,corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose cornsyrup, inverted sugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maplesyrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup,Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof.

For purposes of this invention, the term spotting fluid shall be definedas any liquid fluid used and designed to free stuck drilling assemblies.

Characteristics of ideal spotting fluids are as follows: ease of mixingon the rig so that the spot can be pumped quickly around the stuck drillpipe and drill bit assembly; provides good lubrication; dehydrates,shrinks and cracks the wellbore wallcake in a timely manner; achievesdensity up to approximately 11.5 pounds per gallon with dissolved solidsrather than particulate barite solids; reduces the capillary attractiveforces caused by the close contact of the drilling assembly with thewellbore wallcake composed of colloidal solids and water; excellentcompatibility with all water based drilling fluids; and is non-toxic andenvironmentally friendly with marine, land wildlife and vegetation.

The success of freeing a stuck drilling assembly is directlyproportional to the amount of time required to mix and spot the spottingfluid.

In another further embodiment, the present invention also relates to amethod of manufacturing a spotting fluid, the method comprises admixinga liquid medium and hydrolyzed syrup solids to form said spotting fluid.In another embodiment, the syrup solids are heated to evaporate waterprior to being combined with the liquid medium.

In the method, the spotting fluid consist essentially of hydrolyzedsyrup solids in the amount from about 30 to about 90% by weight of totalvolume of said spotting fluid and a liquid medium in the amount fromabout 10 to about 70% by weight of total volume of said spotting fluid.

In the method, the syrup solids are derived from a group consistingessentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup,birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup,corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose cornsyrup, inverted sugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maplesyrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup,Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof, saidliquid medium is selected from a group consisting of water, purifiedwater, ionized water, salt water and mixtures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the present invention. These drawings are incorporatedin and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or moreembodiments of the present invention, and together with the description,serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a depiction of the additives of the present invention invarying concentrations and how such concentrations of syrup solidseffectuate the reaction with clays;

FIG. 2 is a graph showing compressed clay pellets that were submergedfor 72 hours in varying concentrations of the corn syrup solids in theadditive;

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the lubricity of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a comparison of a water based drilling fluidweighing 16.0 ppg containing 30% of additive with a 16.0 ppg oil baseddrilling fluid;

FIG. 5 is an image of a filter cake prior to being exposed to thespotting fluid of the present invention: and

FIG. 6 is an image of FIG. 5 after being exposed to the spotting fluidof the present invention for a period of at least 16 hours.

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification andinclude exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustratevarious objects and features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may beexaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

In one embodiment, the additive of the present invention is manufacturedas follows: pure corn starch that is approximately 99 percent pure isconverted into ordinary corn syrup through a process called acidhydrolysis. In this process, the liquid corn starch is mixed with a weaksolution of hydrochloric acid and heated in order to break down the cornstarch molecules into sugar. The hydrolysis can be controlled in orderto produce varying concentrations of corn syrup. The longer thehydrolysis process is allowed to proceed, the more concentrated the cornsyrup becomes. The liquid corn syrup is then filtered and furtherrefined and evaporated to reduce the amount of water, thus producingcorn syrup solids. Some important properties of corn syrup are thedextrose and fructose content. Product information and product samplesfor testing were obtained from the Grain Processing Corporation (GPC).The initial testing of GPC products with a trademark name Maltrin® wasto improve the solid suspension properties of various liquids indrilling fluid additives such as glycols, oils, and water. Theparticular solid to be suspended would be styrene and divinylbenzene(DVB) copolymer beads with a specific gravity of approximately 1.05 to1.2 kg/m³. The density of the liquid corn syrup is directly proportionalto the dissolved solids content of the corn syrup. Clear corn syrup withdensities of 11.5 to 11.8 pounds per gallon may be blended.

Preventing Hydration and Swelling of Clays in Well Bore:

Referring now to FIG. 1, the drilling additive of the present inventionprevents the hydration and absorption of water by the hydrophilic claysand shales in the drilled formation. Hydrophilic water sensitive claysand shales contain substantial amounts of colloidal bentonite. Surfacehydration and osmotic hydration cause the diameter of the well bore toshrink smaller than what was originally drilled. Preventing thishydration and swelling is essential in order to prevent well boreswabbing when the drilling assembly is extracted from the well bore.There have been various water-based drilling fluids that have been usedto prevent hydration and swelling but such fluids have been used withmoderate success. These fluids included calcium in lime based fluids,gypsum based fluids, potassium based fluids, and salt based fluids suchas calcium chloride and sodium chloride fluids.

In one embodiment, the present invention uses a solution of higherconcentrations of dissolved corn syrup solids to restrict or suppressthe hydration of hydrophilic, water-sensitive clays and shales. Inaddition, the adhesion or stickiness of the Gumbo-type shales have alsobeen reduced. In FIG. 1, the hydration and swelling of clay are testedby inserting a compressed clay pellet (Bentonite) in each of ninecontainers. The containers (from left to right in FIG. 1) are thenfilled with the following solutions as set forth in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Testing of Hydration and Swelling of Clays Based on IncreasedConcentrations of Corn Syrup Solids Container (#) Water % Corn SyrupConcentrate (%) Results #1 100%   0% Poor #2 90% 10% Poor #3 80% 20%Fair #4 70% 30% Good #5 60% 40% Good #6 50% 50% Good #7 40% 60%Excellent #8 30% 70% Excellent #9 20% 80% Excellent  #10 10% 90%Excellent (not shown)

FIG. 1 and Table 1 clearly show how increased amounts of theconcentration of the corn syrup solids provide for increased results inthe suppression and restriction of the hydration of the clay. Thisinvention shows that the osmolality of the liquid corn syrupcarbohydrate is created by the dissolved corn syrup solids in thecontinuous liquid phase of the drilling fluid. The degree of osmolalityis directly proportional to the percentage of dissolved corn syrupsolids in the liquid corn syrup. This osmotic dehydration wasaccomplished without any salts.

FIG. 2 shows a graph showing compressed clay pellets submerged for 72hours in concentrations from about 0 to about 90% of additive mixed withwater having a pH of 9.5. The graph shows how increased amounts in theconcentration of the additive lessened the amount of swelling in thecompressed clays further providing evidence that the present inventionprevents the hydration and absorption of water by the hydrophilic claysand shales in the drilled formation.

It appears that the dissolved corn syrup solids in the liquid corn syrupcarbohydrate have a greater demand for the water present in the drillingfluid than the hydrophilic shale, thus lessening the swelling of the wetwell bore. It seems that the wall cake which is formed as soon as theshale is penetrated acts as the semi-permeable membrane in order for anyosmosis to occur.

Keeping the Well Bore “In Gauge”:

In drilling subterranean oil and gas wells, keeping the well bore “ingauge” is critical. This term means keeping the well bore the same sizeas the drilling bit that drilled the well bore. The reduction in wellbore size is usually directly proportional to the amount of time thatthe well bore is exposed to the drilling fluid. In many cases, the wellbore may be exposed to the fluid for many days or weeks before the wellbore casing is installed. The drilling fluid deposits a wall cake on thesurface of the well bore. The thickness of the wall cake is directlyproportional to the fluid loss or the amount of liquid that is forcedfrom the drilling fluid into the well bore. Therefore, the less liquidleaving the drilling fluid, the thinner the cake wall (filter cake) willbe. Having a low filtrate loss and a thin filter cake is desired andproduces an “in gauge” well bore.

Another reason for the well bore size to lose its “in gauge” would bethe hydration and swelling of the hydrophilic clays and shale in thewall of the well bore. The swelling of this shale may be caused byosmotic absorption of the drilling fluid or “hydration”.

Controlling the thickness and the quality of the filter cake which isdeposited on the wellbore is absolutely essential to keeping thewellbore “in gauge”. The thickness of the filter cake is directlyproportional to the volume of liquid passing through the filter cake.

To represent “in gauge” testing of the drilling fluid additive of thepresent invention, the following tests were conducted to observe (a)fluid loss in ml; (b) filter cake weight in grams; and (c) filter cakethickness in inches:

(1) High Pressure High Temp Filtration Test: A mud sample is heated to250 degrees F. and 500 psi of pressure is applied to force liquidthrough the a filter paper. The volume of liquid and filter cakethickness are recorded.

The results of the High Pressure High Temp Filtration Test is set forthin Table 2 below:

TABLE 2 High Pressure High Temp Filtration Test Base Mud + Base Mud +Base Mud 30% Additive 40% Additive Density: 11.0 pH Meter 8.3 600 rpm 3292 62 300 rpm 19 56 35 200 rpm 15 42 25 100 rpm 10 25 15  6 rpm 4 5 4  3rpm 3 4 3 PV@120 F. 13 36 27 YP 6 20 8 Gels 10 s/10 m/30 m 10/34 7/22/293/10/19 HPHT@ 250 degree F./ml 36.0 3.2 2.4 Cake Wt/g 24 5.4 4.7 CakeThickness/inch   6/32 1/32 1/32(2) Dynamic Filtration Test: This test utilizes a sand disc with a 5Darey, 20 micron filter media. This test consists of more pressure, 1000psi, with a more porous filter media. The fluid is sheared or stirredduring the test.

The results of the Dynamic Filtration Test is set forth in Table 3below:

TABLE 3 Dynamic Filtration Test 5 Darcy, 20 Micron Filter Media 200Degree F., 600 RPM @ 1000 PSI for 60 Minutes Base Mud + Base Mud + BaseMud 30% Additive 40% Additive Time (Minutes) Fluid Loss (ml) InitialSpurt 8.0 0.0 0.0 15 Minutes 31.2 2.0 1.2 30 Minutes 46.0 3.4 2.2 45Minutes 56.4 4.7 3.0 60 Minutes 66.0 6.5 5.4 Cake wt (g) 44 8 8 Cakethickness (inch) 11/32 2/32 1/32Results of High Pressure High Temp Filtration Test & Dynamic FiltrationTest:

Substantial reductions in fluid loss, filter cake weight and filter cakethickness are obvious from these results. The additive of this inventioncontributes to the improvement of the wall cake quality thereby helpingto provide an “in gauge” well bore.

Lubricity Testing:

Improving the lubricating qualities of the drilling fluid is an areawhere the additive of the present invention excelled. A lubricity meterwas used to measure the lubricating qualities of water having a pH of9.5 and comparing the results with various concentrations ranging from10% to 90% by volume of additive with water. Torque readings were takenfrom 100 to 600 inch pounds of torque.

The results of the lubricity testing are set forth in Table 4 below andshown in FIG. 3:

TABLE 4 Lubricity Test Sample: Results: (1) water seized at a torque of290 inch pounds (2) 10% additive and 90% water seized at 360 inch pounds(3) 20% additive and 80% water seized at 440 inch pounds (4) 30%additive and 70% water did not seize at 600 inch pounds (5) 40% additiveand 60% water torque reading at 55 (6) 50% additive and 50% water torquereading at 50 (7) 60% additive and 40% water torque reading at 42 (8)70% additive and 30% water torque reading at 35 (9) 80% additive and 20%water torque reading at 27

From FIG. 3 and Table 4, it can be seen that a concentration of 30% ormore of the additive did not seize and the resulting torque readingcontinually decreased as the concentration of the additive wasincreased.

FIG. 4 illustrates the comparison of a water based drilling fluidweighing 16.0 ppg containing 30% of additive with a 16.0 ppg oil baseddrilling fluid. As evidenced by FIG. 4, the lubricating qualities of thewater based drilling fluid containing 30% by volume of additive wasalmost identical to the oil mud. The water based drilling fluid used forthis test is extremely environmentally friendly having an LC50 rating ofgreater then 1,000,000.

Controlling the Density of the Drilling Fluid:

Controlling the density of the drilling fluid is essential to thesuccess of drilling oil or gas wells. The density of water having aspecific gravity of 1.0 and weighing 8.34 pounds per gallon may beincreased by dissolving a salt such as sodium chloride and increasingthe density of water to about 10.5 pounds per gallon at the saturationpoint of sodium chloride. By saturating calcium chloride, a density ofabout 11.6 pounds per gallon may be achieved. Other salts such as zincbromide may be used to produce higher densities. The negative side ofsalt water fluids is the corrosion and lack of compatibility with otheradditives and also exhibit poor lubrication qualities.

A concentrated carbohydrate corn syrup consisting of fresh water andfrom about 60 to about 75 percent by weight of dissolved corn syrupsolids will have a density of approximately 11.5 to 11.8 pounds pergallon. In a further embodiment, the present invention uses concentratedcorn syrup to increase the density of the liquid phase of the drillingfluid as set forth in Table 5 below:

TABLE 5 Increased Concentrations of Corn Syrup Solids Relate to Densityof Liquid Phase of Drilling Fluid Volume of Additive (%) Water (%)Density (lbs per Gallon) 90% 10% 11.2 80% 20% 10.9 70% 30% 10.6 60% 40%10.3 50% 50% 10.0 40% 60% 9.7 30% 70% 9.4 20% 80% 9.1 10% 90% 8.8

The densities of a drilling fluid may be increased by these valueswithout the addition of particulate solids such as barite. Thus, anysettlings or stratifying of barite solids for a liquid drilling fluid upto 11.8 pounds per gallon are eliminated.

Alternative Syrups and Syrup Solids:

In addition to corn syrup and corn syrup solids, the present inventionrelates to the use of various other syrups and syrup solids. Thesesyrups and syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentiallyof agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup,rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, datesyrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, invertedsugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses,Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrupand vanilla syrup.

In general, syrups are defined as a thick, viscous, sticky liquid thatcontains a large amount of dissolved sugars which do not have a tendencyto crystallize. The word “syrup” comes from the Arabic word “sharab”,meaning beverage.

Agave syrup comes from the sap of the maguey cactus found in Mexico. Itis about 25% sweeter than sugar and its composition is 90% fructose and10% sucrose.

Barley syrup or barley malt syrup is made from soaked and sproutedbarley, which is then dried and cooked down to a syrup.

Sugar syrup or bar syrup or simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts ofsugar and hot water, made by gradually stirring one pound of granulatedsugar into 13 ounces of water over a medium heat until the sugardissolves and the mixtures becomes a syrup.

Beets syrup is derived from sugar beets. Birch syrup is made from thesap of birch trees. Rice syrup or brown rice syrup or rice bran syrupand rice malt is a low-glycemic sugar which is half as sweet as tablesugar.

Cane syrup is derived from the sugar cane which is 99.95% sucrose and0.05% of trace minerals and proteins. Chocolate syrup is generally madefrom unsweetened cocoa powder and corn syrup. Coconut syrup is made froma brownish sugar derived from the sap of coconut palm. Corn syrup isderived from corn starch and is a sweet syrup known as glucose syrupoutside of the U.S. and Canada.

Date syrup is derived from ground, dehydrated dates. This syrup is highin fiber and good source of vitamins and minerals.

Fruit syrup or fructose syrup is derived from honey and fruits and issweeter than sucrose syrups. Golden syrup is an amber colored syrup madefrom evaporated sugar cane juice and is generally a by-product of theprocess of obtaining refined crystallized sugar.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweeter form of corn syrup madefrom corn starch. Inverted sugar syrup is a sucrose-based syrup that istreated with the enzyme invertase and/or an acid. Karo syrup is derivedfrom dark corn syrup or from the karo plant.

Citrus fruit syrup includes lemon syrup, lime syrup, orange syrup andother citrus fruits, and is made by mixing citrus zest or peel or juicewith sugar.

Maple syrup is a largely refined sweetener made from the sap of mapletrees and is the boiled sap of the sugar maple tree. It is about 60%sucrose and 60% sweeter than sugar. Molasses or treacie is a thick syrupproduced as the by-product during the refining of sugar cane or sugarbeets. Muscovado syrup or dark muscovado syrup or moist sugar syrup orBarbados sugar syrup is a specialty raw sugar, moist with high molassescontent, very dark brown in color and stickier than most brown sugars.

Palm syrup is derived from the nectar of the sugar palm tree. Rice syrupis made from soaked and sprouted rice (or rice and barley) which isdried and cooked down to a thick syrup. Rice syrup contains a high levelof maltose.

Sorghum syrup or sorghum molasses is derived from sorghum which is agrain similar to corn. Turbinado sugar syrup is a specialty brown sugarcane extract whose name derives because it is created when spun in acylinder or turbine while being sprayed. Vanilla sugar syrup is derivedfrom a combination of granulated sugar with extracts from the vanillabean.

The present invention may utilize one or more of these syrups, alone orin combination with one another.

The spotting fluid was also tested to show that the osmolality of thespotting fluid of the present invention is directly proportional to theamount of dissolved carbohydrate solids present in the spotting fluid.In order to make this determination, a refractometer was utilized.Degree Brix is the measurement of the dissolved sugar-to-water massration of a liquid. A 25 degree Brix solution as measured by therefractometer would indicate 25 grams of sugar and 75 grams of water inthe 100 grams of solution. Since Brix is related to the concentration ofdissolved solids in a fluid, it is therefore related to the specificgravity and density of the fluid.

Tests were conducted by preparing eight (8) drilling fluids containing20 pounds per barrel of Bentonite clay, 10 pounds per barrel of gumboshale, 1 pound per barrel of caustic and 4 pounds per barrel oflignosulfonate. These fluids were placed in an API filterpress with 100psi placed on the sample for 48 hour in order to create a goodrepresentative filter cake. The base mud was then poured from thecylinders leaving the filter cakes (see FIG. 5).

The spotting fluid of the present invention was poured onto the wallcake with concentrations ranging from about 10 degree Brix to about 80degree Brix. It was determined that a Brix reading of 10 degree Brix to30 degree Brix showed little to no shrinkage or cracking of the filtercake. The filter cake exposed to the spotting fluid with a Brix readingof 40 degree Brix showed slight cracking and some shrinkage. The filtercake exposed to the spotting fluid of the present invention having areading of about 50 degree Brix to about 80 degree Brix showed majorcracking and shrinkage (see FIG. 6).

All of the filter cakes were exposed to the spotting fluids of thepresent invention for a period of 16 hours. FIG. 6 shows that thedehydration is evident as shown in the cracking and shrinkage of thefilter cake. In one embodiment, the filter cake in FIG. 6 has a readingof 78 degree Brix.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the attendant claims attachedhereto, this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydisclosed herein.

1. A spotting fluid formulation consisting essentially of: syrup solidsin the amount from about 30 to about 80% by volume of total volume ofsaid formulation and a liquid medium in the amount from about 20 toabout 70% by volume of total volume of said formulation, saidformulation designed to be used as a spotting fluid for oil drillingapplications.
 2. The formulation of claim 1 wherein said syrup solidsare in the amount from about 70 to about 80% by weight of said totalvolume of said formulation.
 3. The formulation of claim 2 wherein saidliquid medium is in the amount from about 20 to about 30% by weight ofsaid total volume of said formulation.
 4. The formulation of claim 1wherein said syrup solids are heated to evaporate water prior to beingcombined with said liquid medium.
 5. The formulation of claim 4 whereinsaid formulation is combined with copolymer beads, said copolymer beadsare comprised of styrene and divinylbenzene.
 6. The formulation of claim1 wherein said liquid medium is selected from a group consisting ofwater, purified water, ionized water, salt water and mixtures thereof.7. The formulation of claim 1 wherein said syrup solids are derived fromcorn syrup.
 8. The formulation of claim 1 wherein said syrup solids arederived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barleysyrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup,chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup,high fructose corn syrup, inverted sugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruitsyrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, sorghumsyrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof.9. The formulation of claim 1 wherein said formulation has a densityfrom about 9 to about 12 pounds per gallon.
 10. The formulation of claim1 wherein said syrup solids are hydrolyzed prior to being combined withsaid liquid medium.
 11. A spotting fluid that consists essentially of:syrup, syrup solids and a liquid medium, said syrup and syrup solids arederived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barleysyrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup,chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup,golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, inverted sugar syrup, karosyrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palmsyrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures andblends thereof.
 12. The spotting fluid of claim 11 wherein said syrup isfrom about 10 to about 90% by volume of total volume of said spottingfluid, said syrup solids is from about 10 to about 80% by volume oftotal volume of said spotting fluid, and said liquid medium is fromabout 20 to about 90% by volume of total volume of said spotting fluid.13. The spotting fluid of claim 11 wherein said liquid medium isselected from a group consisting of water, purified water, ionizedwater, salt water and mixtures thereof.
 14. The spotting fluid of claim11 wherein said syrup solids are heated to evaporate water prior tobeing combined with said liquid medium.
 15. The spotting fluid of claim11 wherein said spotting fluid has a density from about 9.5 to about11.8 pounds per gallon.
 16. The spotting fluid of claim 11 wherein saidsyrup solids are hydrolyzed prior to being combined with said syrup andsaid liquid medium.
 17. The spotting fluid of claim 11 wherein saidspotting fluid is combined with copolymer beads.
 18. A method ofmanufacturing a spotting fluid, said method comprises admixing a liquidmedium and hydrolyzed syrup solids to form said spotting fluid.
 19. Themethod of claim 18 wherein said spotting fluid consist essentially ofhydrolyzed syrup solids in the amount from about 30 to about 90% byweight of total volume of said spotting fluid and a liquid medium in theamount from about 10 to about 70% by weight of total volume of saidspotting fluid.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein said syrup solids arederived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barleysyrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup,chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup,golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, inverted sugar syrup, karosyrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palmsyrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures andblends thereof, said liquid medium is selected from a group consistingof water, purified water, ionized water, salt water and mixturesthereof.